Kubica: third operation completed, rehabilitation will be very long

The third and final intervention on Robert Kubica ended today at Santa Corona di Pietra Ligure, a week and a half after the terrible accident in the Ronde di Andora Rally.

The operation, conducted by Dr. Francesco Lanza, only affected the Polish pilot's elbow, and lasted several hours. Robert will remain in intensive care for a few days.

These are the words of Dr. Lanza at the end of the intervention: “The articular part of the humerus was reconstructed. The elbow joint was reconstructed satisfactorily, but the serious prognosis for recovery of function remains. It is clear to expect limitations. It was a long operation because we had to reconstruct the entire elbow, which was seriously damaged in the accident"

The third operation in a week and a half, with three anaesthesia, gives an idea of ​​the very serious conditions in which the pilot arrived at the Santa Corona hospital.

The next few weeks will be very important to understand if the operations were really successful. It will be essential to evaluate the condition of the fractures and related interventions. Only then can the recovery times be established with an approximate deadline. Which will have to bring Robert back to leading a 'normal' life first and foremost. In fact, at the moment, there is no point in thinking about returning to the wheel.

A very long rehabilitation will be necessary to allow the damaged limbs to recover sensitivity and elasticity in movement. In this regard, targeted exercises will be set to help Robert heal completely.

Only the next few months, with rehabilitation underway, will tell us whether the pilot will also be able to return to his job. In these cases we need to be as realistic as possible. Obviously, we all hope that this bad story can end in the best way, and that is with Robert still at the wheel of his Renault-Lotus. However, just as it was right not to create false alarm in the most excited moments (by the way, the Polish TV station that had spread false rumors about Robert's condition apologized), it is equally right now not to raise hopes that, at the moment, we don't know if they can become reality.

What is certain, currently, is that the clinical conditions are improving little by little, day after day. But it is objectively impossible to say with certainty what the scenarios will be in a year's time.

Paradoxically, once the hospital stay at Santa Corona is over, the most difficult period for Robert will begin. From a physical point of view, but above all from a psychological point of view, because he will have to face months of effort and exercises to try to get back into shape.

Continue, in the meantime, our initiative to send a message to Robert. Between emails and posts commenting on the articles, almost 1500 messages of encouragement were sent by users.

In the coming days, further updates on Robert's condition.

Alessandro Secchi
F1Grandprix.it